Thailand is famous for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and busy cities. However, when it comes to gambling, the country has strict laws. Still, recent changes may soon reshape the gambling scene.
So, is gambling legal in Thailand? Let’s find out.
For many years, most types of gambling have been illegal under the Gambling Act of 1935. Yet, gambling remains common through underground networks and online platforms.
Despite strict rules, the Thai government is now considering legalizing casinos. These casinos would be part of large entertainment complexes.
The goal is to increase tourism, create jobs, and bring in tax money.
However, there would be strict rules for locals who want to gamble.
In this guide we will discuss the latest updates on Thailand’s gambling laws. We will also cover how the government is fighting illegal gambling and what tourists should know.
Whether you are curious about legal options or future casino plans, this guide will keep you informed.
Recent Developments: Thailand’s Move to Legalize Casinos
On January 12, 2025, the Thai cabinet approved a draft law to legalize gambling, and allow casinos in large entertainment complexes. This move is part of a bigger plan to attract more tourists and increase the country’s income.
Why Is Thailand Legalizing Casinos?
The main goal is to boost the economy. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said that legalizing casinos will keep people safe. It will also bring financial benefits to the country.
If the law passes through parliament, it could create between 9,000 and 15,000 new jobs.
Additionally, it may add 120 billion to 220 billion baht ($3.45 billion to $6.32 billion) in tourism revenue. This would be a huge boost for the country’s economy.
Thailand has always had strict gambling laws under the Gambling Act of 1935. For many years, most forms of gambling have been illegal. However, underground gambling and online platforms continue to operate.
The government now wants to control gambling, reduce illegal activities, and use casinos to draw wealthy tourists.
Rules for Thai Citizens
Although the government plans to legalize casinos, there will be tough rules for local people. These rules are meant to limit the number of Thai citizens who can gamble. Here are the main conditions:
Minimum Deposit Requirement: Thai citizens must have 50 million baht (approximately $1.45 million) in a fixed deposit for at least six months to enter a casino. This rule makes it difficult for average citizens to participate.
Entry Fee: Locals will have to pay up to 5,000 baht (about $145) to access the casino. This fee is designed to prevent frequent visits from lower-income people.
A Major Shift in Gambling Policy
If the law passes, developers will build casinos in large entertainment complexes. These will have hotels, shopping malls, and other attractions to draw tourists.
The draft law still needs to pass through parliament before it becomes official. If approved, the new casinos could open within a few years. Meanwhile, the government will continue to monitor illegal gambling and promote safe practices.
For tourists, this change could offer new entertainment options in Thailand. For locals however, strict rules will limit participation to the wealthy.
Public Health Concerns as Youth Gambling Increases
As the government works to legalize casinos, youth gambling is becoming a big problem in Thailand. A 2024 study shows that nearly 5 million Thai young people are gambling. Experts warn that this could lead to addiction. Which also means their mental health issues, and family problems.
Moreover, online gambling is the main culprit of the problem. Many young people are drawn to gambling platforms promoted by influencers. These platforms make it so easy for youth to access gambling.
In response, the government plans to introduce stricter rules for online gambling. This is part of the new law aimed at curbing the rising issue.
Also, Officials also plan to start awareness campaigns to teach families about the dangers of gambling.
If these issues are not solved, experts believe youth gambling could lead to long-term problems. Therefore, it is crucial to protect young people from the harmful effects of gambling. The government must act swiftly to prevent addiction and other related issues.
Crackdown on Illegal Online Scam Operations
Thailand is taking strong action against illegal online gambling scams. These scams often link to operations in countries like China, Myanmar, and Cambodia. The Thai government is working with these countries to target and shut down scam centers.
In these efforts, over 1,000 people have been rescued from forced labor in scam centers. Many were trapped and exploited for online fraud and gambling. The Thai government has helped bring them back safely. In a major raid in 2024, authorities found more than 500 people in a scam center in Myanmar.
The Thai government is also targeting the infrastructure that supports these illegal operations. They have cut off internet, power, and banking services to scam centers. In 2023, authorities shut down over 100 illegal gambling websites and stopped 50 illegal payment channels. This makes it harder for scammers to continue their activities.
Illegal gambling scams cost Thailand around 60 billion baht ($1.7 billion) each year. This comes from online casinos and gambling websites that avoid taxes. The crackdown aims to stop money from going into illegal gambling.
Working with China and Myanmar has been key to these efforts. In 2025, a joint operation led to the shutdown of a major scam center in Myanmar. This operation arrested 300 people and seized over 100 million baht ($3 million) in illegal funds.
This crackdown is also part of Thailand’s plan to regulate gambling. As the government works to legalize casinos, they want to stop illegal gambling to protect citizens. Legalizing casinos will help create a safer and controlled environment.
The Legal Status of Gambling in Thailand (Pre-2025 Laws)
Two main exceptions to the Gambling Act of 1935 law still exists today.
The State Lottery: The government runs a legal lottery twice a month, on the 1st and 16th. This lottery is legal under the current law.
Horse Racing: Betting on horse racing is allowed, but only at government regulated tracks in Bangkok.
Apart from these exceptions, activities like casinos, poker, & online betting were completely banned. Those caught gambling illegally faced heavy fines or even prison time.
Over the years, Thailand enforced these strict gambling laws. However, gambling remained popular despite the laws. People found ways to gamble illegally, often through underground casinos and online platforms. These illegal activities continued, with many people still participating.
As a result, the Thai government faced pressure to rethink its approach to gambling. Many people argued that legalizing and regulating gambling could bring in much-needed revenue. It could also help curb illegal gambling and protect citizens from unfair practices.
Locations Where Legal Gambling Takes Place in Thailand
In Thailand, most gambling activities are illegal. However, a few places allow legal gambling under strict rules. These locations provide controlled environments where people can gamble. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Royal Bangkok Sports Club (Bangkok)
The Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) is a well known club in the heart of Bangkok. It allows legal betting on horse races.
This is one of the few places in Thailand where gambling is allowed. However, it is an exclusive club. Only members and invited guests can enter. People can place bets on horse races, but they must follow the strict rules set by the government. This venue keeps gambling under control by limiting access.
Royal Turf Club (Bangkok)
The Royal Turf Club is another place in Bangkok where people can legally bet on horse races. Like the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, this club is exclusive. It is only open to members and invited guests. Betting on horse races is allowed, but only in a controlled environment.
Government Lottery Offices
The Thai government runs a lottery that is available to everyone. The Government Lottery Office (GLO) operates this legal lottery. It happens twice a month, on the 1st and 16th. People can buy tickets through authorized retailers across the country. The lottery is easy to access and is the most common form of legal gambling in Thailand. It is widely available, and the money earned from the lottery often goes to public welfare programs.
Penalties for Illegal Gambling
Under current laws Thailand has strict penalties for illegal gambling. Anyone caught participating in illegal gambling faces serious consequences.
Fines
People involved in illegal gambling can face fines. The fines range from 1000 THB (about $30) to 5000 THB (about $140).
Imprisonment
In addition to fines, those caught gambling illegally may face jail time. The prison sentence can range from three months to three years. This serious punishment shows how strongly the government opposes illegal gambling.
Enforcement
These penalties apply to both locals and tourists. The authorities actively enforce these laws. Police regularly conduct raids on illegal gambling locations to catch offenders. Even if a person is just participating in the activity, they could face legal consequences.
Gambling Tourism: What You Need to Know
Since Thailand does not have legal casinos, locals and tourists often go to nearby countries to gamble legally. Popular destinations include:
Poipet, Cambodia
Poipet is a popular gambling destination across the border from Thailand. The travel time from Thailand to Poipet is short, making it an ideal option for many gamblers. Poipet has several large casino resorts offering a wide range of games. These include slots, table games, and poker.
Holiday Poipet Resort Casino is one of the largest and most popular casinos in Poipet.
Grand Diamond City Casino is a large casino. It offers a variety of games, including baccarat, blackjack, and poker. It also features a hotel, restaurant, and shopping facilities.
Star Vegas Resort & Casino offers many games. Also, this resort has luxurious rooms and view. It is popular for its entertainment shows and spacious gaming floor.
Poipet Resort & Casino offers a variety of gaming tables and slot machines. It is a popular choice among Thai visitors seeking legal gambling options.
Macau, China
Macau, often called the “Gambling capital of the world,” is a luxury destination known for its world-class casinos. Many tourists, including local Thai people travel to Macau for its broad selection of gambling options.
The city offers everything from high-stakes poker tables to lavish slot machines. With its beautiful resorts and entertainment shows, Macau provides a complete gambling experience.
Some top casinos in Macau include:
The Venetian Macao is one of the most famous casinos. It is known for its luxury, wide gaming area, and variety of table games like poker and baccarat. It also offers gondola rides, shopping, and high-end dining.
Galaxy Macau is a large casino resort with thousands of gaming machines and table games. It features luxury hotels, entertainment, shopping, and dining options.
Wynn Macau is famous for its luxurious atmosphere and a wide range of games. It also offers high-end restaurants, shopping, and accommodations.
MGM Macau stands out for its stylish design and high-quality services. It provides poker, baccarat, and slot machines, along with entertainment and fine dining.
City of Dreams is a large resort with casinos that offer a variety of games and slots. It is known for luxury, modern design, and high-end dining and shopping experiences.
Conclusion
So, is gambling legal in Thailand? For now, most forms remain illegal, except for the state lottery and horse racing.
However, recent developments suggest that legal casinos could soon become a reality.
If the new law is passed, it could change Thailand’s gambling scene. Although strict rules will apply to the local people.
This could open doors for legal casinos in major tourist areas, making it easier for visitors to enjoy gambling in Thailand.
Do you have any questions or experiences related to gambling laws in Thailand? Feel free to share them below!
